Water Damage: Finding the Source
Not all water that causes property damage is the same. While some may be clean, others are polluted. It depends on where the water came from. So, to protect the health and safety of your family, it is best to figure out the source of the damage before starting with the cleanup process.

Some leaks can easily be found. For instance, basement flooding, clogged plumbing, and appliance malfunctions are obvious. Meanwhile, some go unnoticed.

What You Should Do

• Try to prevent the water from spreading into other areas of your house. If possible, contain it within the affected areas.
• Wipe down wet furniture.
• To avoid further damage on furniture, place a piece of foil between the legs of your furniture and wet flooring materials.
• If you have cushions and pillows in the area, prop them up.
• Lift off drapes that reach the floor. You can do this by hanging them on the curtain rods or looping them through a coat hanger.
• Take out all area rugs and other floor coverings that are removable.
• Remove all pieces of artwork, photos, decorative materials, and small furniture. Put them in a safe and dry place.
• Remove books, paper goods, shoes, potted plants, and any other items that may stain your walls and carpet.
• Keep closet doors and furniture drawers open so that they can dry out.
• If necessary, turn off circuit breakers that supply electricity to the wet areas. Unplug all electrical devices located near wet surfaces.

Contact a professional emergency water cleanup service provider.

Things You Should Not Do

• Do not try to remove standing water using your vacuum cleaner.
• Do not put newspaper or anything made of paper on the floor.
• Do not enter the room if there is structural or electrical damage.
• Do not remove tacked down or wall-to-wall carpet.
• If the damage is due to sewage water, do not try to clean it up on your own,
• Do not plug in any electrical appliance while standing on wet surfaces.
• Do not walk on wet flooring or carpet more than necessary to prevent the spread of damage.
• Do not turn on your HVAC system if it has been contacted directly by the water damage to avoid spreading contamination.
• If you see molds, do not disturb them.

Get Help from Professionals
The best way to address water damage is to get help from an emergency water cleanup contractor. If you find yourself facing a water damage emergency in Cudahy or anywhere in Milwaukee County, contact us at ERS Emergency Restoration Services.